Path to staying
- Study12 months, renewable
- Post-study workup to 12 months
- Permanent residencyafter 3 years
- Citizenshipafter 7 years
Overview
- Country
- Norway
- Visa name
- Study Permit (Studietillatelse)
- Local name
- Studietillatelse
- Status
- Active
- Duration
- 12 months
- Renewable
- Yes
Norway's study permit for international students. While tuition was historically free for all at public universities, since 2023 non-EU/EEA students face tuition fees. EU/EEA students still study for free, paying only a minimal semester fee (~NOK 1,000). Norway offers high living standards but correspondingly high living costs.
Tuition and costs
- Tuition policy
- Mixed
- Free condition
- Free for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. All students pay semester fee of ~NOK 1,000.
- Tuition range
- $105 – $26,150/year
- Proof of funds
- $17,461/year
- Funds type
- Bank statement
- Scholarships
- Available
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: free tuition, only semester fee of ~NOK 1,000 (~USD 105). Non-EU/EEA: NOK 80,000-250,000/yr (USD 8,400-26,150) since 2023 policy change. From 2025, government removed the national tuition mandate, allowing each university to decide independently whether to charge non-EU students. PhD programs remain free for all nationalities.
Work rights during study
- Work allowed
- Yes
- Term hours
- 20 hrs/week
- Vacation hours
- Unlimited
- Permission
- Automatic
20 hours per week during academic year, including remote work. Full-time during official holidays and breaks. Work permission is automatic with the study permit, no separate permit needed. Self-employment not permitted on study permit.
Post-study work options
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Job Seeker Permit for Graduates | Job seeker | 12 mo | Bachelors | Unrestricted | No |
Language requirements
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Admission | English | 6.0 | No section below 5.0 |
| Bergenstest (Norwegian proficiency) | Admission | Norwegian | Pass (B2) | Required for Norwegian-taught programs. Bergenstest (Test i norsk - hoyrere niva) or equivalent B2 certification. Many universities offer free Norwegian language courses for international students. |
Fees and costs
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study Permit Application Fee | Application | $565 | One time |
| Semester Fee | Registration | $105 | Per semester |
Dependents and family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Restriction
- Spouse/partner and children. Must meet financial requirements for family.
- Spouse work
- Unrestricted
- Conditions
- Spouse with family immigration permit has unrestricted work access.
Long-term pathway
- Post-study visa
- Available
- Work permit
- Possible
- Permanent residency
- After 3 years
- Citizenship
- After 7 years
- Study time counts
- 100% credit
How to apply
- Method
- Online
- Processing
- 30-90 days
- Interview
- Not required
- Official site
- www.udi.no
- Health insurance
- Not required
Notes and caveats
Apply online via UDI self-service portal, then visit embassy/police for biometrics. Norway is not an EU member but is in EEA and Schengen. Study permit time does not count toward permanent residence. D-number issued upon registration for tax/administrative purposes. Personnummer (personal number) issued after Folkeregisteret registration for stays of 6+ months. TB test required for nationals of countries with high TB incidence.
Also in Norway
Last verified May 3, 2026 Source